I hate that word. It makes it sound like I'm in a cult or like I'm some crazy religous zealot.

I don't eat animals, but I'm just a regular person like everyone else. Whenever I get asked about what I eat, I just tell people Im on a strict "plant based diet". I feel much more comfortable saying it that way. It just comes across better.

I understand what you are saying - there probably is a bit of a 'stigma' to the word - some people automatically think granola, hippy, peta protester, not-like-me person.

But then again, vegan is a 'way of life' whereas plant-based diet refers only to eating habits and does not necessarily mean one is vegan. I'm new to veganism, and once I'm firmly grounded in it, I hope to proudly announce to others that I am vegan. They can judge if they want - there are no witch burnings anymore so I won't worry about judgments too much. It says more about them than it does about me and anyone who judges me negatively based on a vegan lifestyle .. pretty sure I didn't want their friendship.

That being said, not sure I'm ready for a vegan t-shirt yet. lol.

_________________If it's important to you, you'll find a way. If it isn't, you'll find an excuse.

I don't eat animals, but I'm just a regular person like everyone else.

So are most vegans .

I never liked the pronunciation of the word "vegan". "Veegan" always sounded goofy to me.

I hear what you are saying though. I've had people prejudge me upon hearing the word "vegan". You can't control what other people do, either how they react to you or how other vegans present themselves. Honestly, there are vocal vegans who are either assholes or ignorant who do give people bad impressions. However, a word is what you make it and you do have control over your own actions. I don't proactively tell people I'm a vegan, but I don't lie or act ashamed about it either.

It is bad for you to be ashamed about something that you are/are into.

If people I don't know ask me if I am a veg*n I say that I am and continue to act in a friendly, down to Earth way. That is enough to change their minds once they get to know me and the ones who will not modify their opinion after knowing me aren't worth knowing.

In post World War II Great Britain Donald Watson with his wife coined the term “vegan” to refer to people who believe that it is wrong to exploit animals. The Waston's went on to form the Vegan Society Of The UK.

There probably needs to be another word for people who do not eat animal products, but who don't think it is unethical to exploit animals ( use for our own selfish reasons ) or eat animal products.

There are a lot of people into a health kick, alternative health kick or environmentalism who haven't really invested themselves into thinking about animals.

I figure that if people have bad associations with the word "vegan", by describing myself as one I have the chance to change those associations. If people know me at all, they'll know I'm not some weirdo so will learn that vegans can be "normal", non-preachy people, too.

It's the negative connotations that have built up for one reason or another. If everyone thought of veganism like I do, I wouldn't have a problem with the word. But it's got problems associated with it, so I don't use it unless it's just the easiest way to put it

Nah. Society and culture is trying it's hardest to make us feel ashamed and apologetic for being different.Many times it works, there are many apologetic vegans out there. "I'm vegan. Um, I'm sorry. If that makes you uncomfortable that is. I'll be quiet". Or you see them rushing to the aid of a carnist who was determined to confront a vegan and now they backed themselves into a corner, making themselves look foolish.The fact is, even if you feel embarrassed for them and let them have an "out", they are looking to dump responsibility off of themselves. So long as they won't take responsibility they will continue to do what society will let them.If someone ever tried to confrentate me on veganism they only make that mistake once. People that know me avoid that discussion at all costs. No mercy.

_________________Come across studies/experiments on rats that can improve their lives? Send it to me please

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